Situated in the heart of French Indochina, Laos is one of the poorest and least
visited countries in
the world. Its isolation from foreign influence offers travellers an unparalleled
glimpse
of traditional Southeast Asian life. The Lao people are known for their gentle polite
nature and for their charming hospitality.
The capital Vientiane, located on a curve of the Mekong River, is interesting and
attractive with its
old town, ancient temples and tree linear boulevards. To the north, the UNESCO World
Heritage Site of the incredibly romantic Luang Prabang should be considered a must
see where
there are many high river valleys along the Mekong River and its major attributes.
In the south
the Angkor era temple of Wat Phu is one of the jewels of the Mekong.
Cambodia is a beautiful country with the temples of Angkor and Angkorian-era architecture.
When to go?
The ideal time to visit Laos is the cool season between November and February. By November, the rains are usually over, all rivers are navigable and roads are passable.
The hot season (March to May) is very dry. During this season, some rivers are harder to navigate and boat journeys in remote places may not be accessible. Travellers should take the Lao New Year (14th - 16th April) into account when planning a trip as accommodation may be harder to find.
The rainy season (June to October) whilst the country at its most beautiful and lush can be difficult to get around in remote places by road.
What to do?
The capital Vientiane, located on a curve of the Mekong River, is interesting and attractive with its old town, ancient temples and tree linear boulevards. To the north, Luang Prabang offers chances for light trekking tours to surrounding rivers and hills (i.e. Mount Phousi, Kuang Si Waterfalls). In the south the Angkor era temple of Wat Phu is one of the jewels of the Mekong.
For adventurers, tours off beaten track to remote areas and villages including mountainous Luang Namtha or the Bolaven Plateau in Champassak.
